The move is a serious violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty, contrary to the common perspectives of the two countries’ leaders, which complicates the situation and escalates tension, the ministry’s spokesperson, Le Hai Binh, said.

“Once again, we affirm that Vietnam has full legal and historical evidence for its indisputable sovereignty over the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos.

“All activities by other countries there without permission from Vietnam are illegal and void.”